MJ Lastimosa says ‘retoke’ a non-issue for beauty queens
The Philippines’ Miss Universe bet would rather not make a big fuss out of criticisms that she’s not 100% natural.
“I don't know why they're making issues about that. I can't see the problem with that,” Mary Jean 'MJ' Lastimosa told reporters on Friday (April 11) at her courtesy visit to the PLDT office in Makati City.
The 26-year-old North Cotabato beauty, however, responded indirectly when asked if there’s any truth to old photos of her circulating in social media.
“You know… it's a beauty pageant. A lot of girls would enhance themselves before joining pageant or try to at least make you look better.”
‘People power’
MJ knows the road to Miss Universe is tough ---and four Filipinas (Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida) placing runners-up before her are adding pressure on her all the more.
Good thing MJ knows where to draw strength from.
“I have the whole country praying for me. That's my edge. Because I think that if you have that blessing from Him, it'll be a big factor for you to win the crown.”
While she has everyone’s support, the Davao-based entrepreneur knows a few noisy ones are trying to pull her down.
Look: Bb Pilipinas 2014 Coronation Night
“Why don't people support your representative instead of bashing? Let's be positive, let's just spread love,” she said, referring to those who circulate her photos from Binibining Pilipinas 2011 and 2012.
In the March 31 episode of “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” MJ has earlier insisted she didn’t undergo beauty enhancements.
“Actually I'm looking at my picture from the first, second and third pageant and all those pictures are different from each other and wala naman akong pinagawa,” she explained. “So I'm thinking it's all about the styling. Talagang kapag iba 'yung styling mo, nag-iiba talaga.”
Social media capital
After taking a break from social media to focus on Binibini, MJ is setting up all her social media arsenal to secure a place in the Top 15.
“I think it'll be a great help for the whole Philippines so that everyone can vote for me,” she said of her latest role as PLDT Home DSL ambassador.
“I think it's one of the most important parts of Miss Universe. You get to place a spot in the Top 15 once you'll be chosen as the people's choice and that’s thru voting online.”
Age, height don’t count
MJ understands that observers find her age (26) and height (5’7”) a disadvantage for judges on the lookout for younger, taller beauties.
But for the Filipina bet, these are just numbers.
“It's all about the performance, the confidence that you have during the competition. I don't think the judges would have the time to look on ‘What age is this girl, what's her height.’ It's all about your totality as a candidate, as a representative of your country.”
MJ could just become the second 26-year-old to win the crown, after Brook Lee of USA became the oldest winner in 1997.
Gallery: Bb Pilipinas 2014 Q&A Portion
